Spring cleaning isn’t just for closets; maintenance managers need to assess potential issues at the beginning of the season to avoid flooding causing unexpected costs, delays, and to keep business running efficiently.

The spring thaw is when commercial properties can be hit the hardest with flooding. Winter’s freeze-thaw cycle can cause cracking in the foundation and brick, drains can become blocked, and excess water can build up, finding its way into your building. Not only is the thawing snow a concern, but the increased precipitation that spring brings means that maintenance managers need to be extra vigilant in protecting their buildings from flooding and the damage it can cause.

Here are some steps to take to help avoid flooding on your property this spring:

• As the spring thaw starts, clear away any snow that you can, depositing it away from your building. This will help mitigate the risk of accumulating water around your building that can find its way inside. Keep an eye on upcoming weather to try and efficiently manage snow thawing and water accumulating on your property.
• If you have repairs or replacement in this year’s budget, book your services early in the season to avoid as much rain as possible and take advantage of a slower contractor period.
• While you may have had your boiler serviced before in the fall, it’s a good idea to have it professionally looked at once the winter is over to make sure it’s running properly and that no issues have arisen through the winter.
• Preventative maintenance is key in extending the life of your pipes, so look for leaks, cracks, or any issues with your pipes or joints that need fixing.
• Clean out your gutters, downspouts and drains, removing any debris that can clog these areas through the winter and flood during the spring thaw. Ensure that downspouts are pointed away from your building and that parking lot drains are clear to avoid water accumulating.
• Check to make sure that your insurance policy is up to date, covering floods, should any flooding happen, and you need to make a claim.

Flooding can cause unexpected hits to your budget, work stoppage, interior damage and possible risks like mould and more. By prioritizing flood avoidance before spring arrives, maintenance managers can get a head start on protecting their business and their building.

The post Avoiding spring flooding: top tips for maintenance managers appeared first on REMINET.